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Journalism of Courage
They both reached their destination at the same time. One got down wearily from a bus, clutching his wife for support, and the other alighted from a chauffeur-driven limousine. One look and you could see that they were as different as two people could be; one a have, the other a have-not. And yet once they reached their destination there was no difference between them. No place that brings home the fact that all men are equal as strongly as an hospital. You might be managing director of XYZ Concerns, a decorated soldier or a powerful politician, but when you are struck with an illness you take your place in the line along with slumdwellers, daily wagers and the poorest of the poor.
A recent visit to a hospital sh-owed me how very true this was. I watched as the two men made their way in. Entering a hospital is a sobering experience for most of us as it gives out the clear message that all is not well. That do as you please outside, once in you8217;re at the doctor8217;s mercy. As was the case with the two I was observing. Both gentlemen handed over their case papers to the nurse on duty and settled down to wait for their turn.
I looked around. The two men were now sitting side by side and had struck up a conversation. I had absolutely no qualms about eavesdropping. 8220;How come you8217;re here?8221; the rich man asked his not-as-well-off companion. A long discussion, regarding a particularly severe ailment, followed, during which both men nodded understandingly, especially after they realised that both were suffering from the same malady. After that, it was as if a new bond had been forged with both taking up cudgels against disease, hospitals, the like. The hospital waiting room had a long queue and the men chatted on about politics, relationships, money, life8230; I was struck dumb. Here were two men who, ordinarily, would not even talk to each other. And now, brought together by a similar illness, they had become almost the best of buddies.
I continued to watch and listen. Here was a well-to-do woman looking distraught; work-related stress had affected her husband. There were two young boys, who did not open their lips except as though murmuring a prayer. Their parents had met with an accident and were in intensive care. Wherever I looked it was the same story. Friendships being forged, barriers being broken. Humanity getting a new life. One of the youngsters burst into tears.
I got up to console him, only to find half the waiting room also on its feet.Where else do you get to see miracles like these in this day? I suppose the idea of being in a hospital frightens all of us. For this is the place where you forego control over your actions and bow to the diktat of another. Health is wealth, goes an age-old dictum. The truth in this statement is being proved all the time in hospitals around the globe. It8217;s a place where nothing can help you; not your money, not your education. And whereas normally you wouldn8217;t plead for anything, a sick loved one has you on your knees. Please, you find yourself telling the doctor. Seeking reassurance. Tell me he/she will be alright. Or perhaps it is your own health that has you all worried.
Whatever the case maybe, a hospital brings home a few truths. It brings people together. And it certainly brings out the better side in each one of us.
